News

Media statement on The Halls application for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund

Thursday, 5th March 2009

In autumn 2008 Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) made an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for £7.5m to go towards a project which will transform The Halls - St Andrew's and Blackfriars' into a regionally important cultural and conference venue and an accessible community facility for the city. There was stiff competition nationally for funding and after careful consideration the HLF have decided that they were unable to support the application at this time. 

Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of HEART said: "This is naturally a massive disappointment for us and everyone who has supported the project to date. However we still believe the project is incredibly worthwhile and that it would deliver massive cultural, social, economic and environmental benefits to our city and further afield."

"We will be talking to the HLF about whether there are other opportunities for their support and funding for the scheme. We will also continue to look at alternative sources of funding to ensure we can still transform the buildings and deliver an outstanding community and cultural venue that Norwich can be proud of and enjoy for generations to come."

Norwich City Council, which owns the buildings, is working in partnership with HEART on The Halls project.

Councillor Alan Waters, Norwich City Council's executive member for corporate resources and governance said: "This is disappointing but, perhaps, in the current economic climate, not surprising. St Andrew's and Blackfriars' Halls will continue to be an important venue for the city just as it has been for hundreds of years. It is very much business as usual for the dedicated team who work there. The innovative work already carried out for this project will stand us in good stead for when times change."

For more information on the project visit www.heritagecity.org/thehalls or pick up an information leaflet about the project from The Halls and public libraries across Norfolk. You can also call HEART on 01603 305575 or email info@heritagecity.org to receive a copy in the post.

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Notes to editors

For more information please contact Christina Lundberg, Communications Manager at Norwich HEART on 01603 599570 or email christinalundberg@heritagecity.org

For the Heritage Lottery Fund, please contact Katie Owen, HLF Press Office, on 020 7591 6036, mobile 07973 613820.

To speak to a Norwich City Council spokesperson please call Amy Lyall on 01603 212167.

About Norwich HEART

Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is a private, charitable trust set up to act as an umbrella organisation for all of the heritage on offer in Norwich and to be a best practice exemplar internationally for heritage as a social and economic regeneration vehicle.